
but a consecrated directing of what we have
to share into worthy channels. The philan-
thropy that heaven approves is the serving
of a neighbor's needs out of a scanty store
rather than ostentatious giving from lavish
profits. The test of liberality is not in the
size of the gift, but in the simple principle,
"God loveth a cheerful giver." 2 Cor. 9:7.
God's Ownership
1.
How did Solomon acknowledge
God as the source and distributor of
all wealth? 1 Chron. 29:11, 12.
NOTE.—"All that men receive of God's
bounty still belongs to God. Whatever He
has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful
things of earth is placed in our hands to test
us, to sound the depths of our love for Him
and our appreciation of His favors."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 736.
2.
To how much of the world's
wealth does God lay claim? Ps. 89:11;
Hag.
2:8.
NoTE.—"Every good thing of earth was
placed here by the bountiful hand of God as
c
y„
71
41 expression of His love to man. The poor
are His, and the cause of religion is His. The
gold and the silver are the Lord's, and He
could rain them from heaven if He chose.
But instead of this He has made man His
steward, entrusting him with means, not to
be hoarded, but to be used in benefiting
others."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 255.
3.
Against what danger are the
prosperous warned? Deut. 8:11-14,
18.
NoTE.—"It is God who gives men power
to get wealth, and He has bestowed this
ability, not as a means of gratifying self, but
as a means of returning to God His own.
With this object it is not a sin to acquire
means. . . . Wealth will prove a blessing if
we regard it as the Lord's, to be received
with thankfulness and with thankfulness re-
turned to the
Giver."—Testimonies,
vol. 6,
pp. 452, 453.
God's Requirements in Tithes
and Offerings
4.
What proportion of the boun-
ties God gives to men does He require
us to return? Lev. 27:30, 32.
NOTE.—"As to the amount required, God,
has specified one tenth of the increase. This'
is left to the conscience and benevolence of
men, whose judgment in this tithing system
should have free play. . . .
"All that is withheld of that which.
l
God
claims, the tenth of the increase, is recorded
in the books of heaven, against the with-
holders, as
robbery."—Testimonies,
vol. 3,
p. 394.
5.
What remarkable promise
is
given to the faithful tithepayer? Mal.
3:10-12.
NoTE.—"Whenever God's people, in any
period of the world, have cheerfully and
willingly carried out His plan in systematic
benevolence and in gifts and offerings, they
have realized the standing promise that
prosperity should attend all their labors just
in proportion as they obeyed His require-
ments. . . . But when they robbed God in
tithes and in offerings they were made to
realize that they were not only robbing Him
but themselves, for He limited His blessings
to them just in proportion as they limited
their offerings to
Him."—Testimonies,
vol.
3, p. 395.
6.
In what spirit did the children
of Israel bring their offerings for the
building of the tabernacle? Ex. 35:29.
NOTE.—"The plan of Moses to raise means
for the building of the tabernacle was highly
successful. No urging was necessary. Nor
did he employ any of the devices to which
churches in our day so often resort. He
made no grand feast. He did not invite the
people to scenes of gaiety, dancing, and gen-
eral amusement. . . . He was to accept gifts
from everyone that gave willingly, from his
heart. And the offerings came in so great
abundance that Moses bade the people cease
14